HC Deb 14 June 1990 vol 174 cc305-6W
Mr. Ron Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the European Economic Community Industry Council meeting of 28 May.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Industry Council on 28 May discussed the involvement of small and medium sized enterprises in public procurement and EC R&D programmes, and the implications for such firms of the business environment. The Council considered the subject of semiconductors and held a first debate on the Commission's proposal for a seventh directive on aid to the shipbuilding industry. The Commission also presented its views of prospects for the EC steel industry over the next five years. The business was both uncontroversial and routine in character.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Britain was represented at ministerial level at the recent meeting of the European Community Industry Council at which steel was discussed.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The United Kingdom was represented by the United Kingdom permanent representative to the Community, Sir David Hannay, supported by senior DTI officials.